Nearly six in ten (56.9%) of over 18 year olds travel by car at least 5 times a week, while one in eight (12%) makes a journey by car 1 to 2 times a week, and 14% do so 3 to 4 times a week. See Table 13.1 and Figure 13.1.
| Frequency of car usage | |
| 1 to 2 times a week | 12 |
| 3 to 4 times a week | 14 |
| At least 5 times a week | 56.9 |
| Less than weekly but more than once a month | 3.9 |
| Less than monthly | 4.5 |
| Never | 8.7 |
Respondents were asked for their reasons for choosing to travel by car. Family/child related activities was cited by just over one in five (21.5%), while more convenient and no alternatives were cited by 20.9% and 20.8% respectively. A further 19.6% said that it allowed them greater freedom. See Table 13.2.
Respondents were asked what factors would encourage them to drive more in the future. Improved traffic congestion was one of the most common factors cited (23.2%), followed by better access to parking at destinations (17.9%) and less expensive costs (16.6%). Improved health or disability management was cited most by persons aged 75 years and older – 16.9% of males and 15.2% of females in this age cohort cited this factor. Nearly four in ten (38.6%) females aged 18 to 24 years said that easier access to owning or using a car would encourage them to drive more, compared to 31.5% of males in this age group. See Table 13.3 and Figure 13.2.
| For family/child related activities | Improved traffic congestion | Better access to parking at destinations | Less expensive costs | Easier access to own or use a car | Getting a driving licence | Improved health or disability management | Being able to drive more confidently | |
| Factors that would encourage more driving | 38.2 | 23.2 | 17.9 | 16.6 | 10.3 | 7.3 | 6.1 | 3.6 |
Go to next chapter: Background Notes
Learn about our data and confidentiality safeguards, and the steps we take to produce statistics that can be trusted by all.